Samuli Miettinen, a 21-year-old centre-back, was introduced as a new player for Istra 1961 at a press conference in Pula. Sports director Saša Bjelanović stated that Miettinen arrives from the current Finnish champion, KuPS, with whom he has participated in European competitions. Bjelanović described him as a young Finnish national team player with international experience, adding that the club sees him as a long-term defensive leader. The sports director also noted that Miettinen will need time to fully adapt and that the club will be patient. Miettinen said he likes the club's project and way of working, and confirmed he had spoken with the coach and sports director before arriving. He also mentioned Ville Koski as an example that a player can develop at the club. Miettinen, who has 6 caps for the Finland U21 team, has signed a contract until June 2030 and has a current Transfermarkt market value of €500k.